Head to South Africa on a Conservation Adventure
Join ECC Adventures this summer for our very first conservation adventure. A voyage with a purpose, we are heading to South Africa this July, where you can give back to protect some of the world’s most precious wildlife while you have the time of your life.
This 7-day journey to the heart of the South African wilderness is a perfect blend of personal enjoyment and profound social impact.
When you sign up, you will be directly making a positive impact on critical conservation efforts such as wildlife collaring and tagging, veterinary care and medication as well as helicopter operations, and YOU will be able to witness some of these efforts first-hand on the ground.
And the best part is that we, along with our wildlife conservation travel partner in South Africa will take care of everything for you, from accommodation, to food, to logistics within the game reserve while you have an epic adventure of a lifetime.
Whether you are already passionate about wildlife conservation or is curious to know more about the charismatic animals in South Africa and wondering how you can support conservation efforts, this trip is for YOU.
Adventure Dates: July 16th-22nd, 2025
Group size: 8-20
Itinerary*
Day 1 - Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa
Notify us when you have booked your flights (Arrival airport is O.R Tambo International, Johannesburg), so we can arrange your meet-greet at the airport arrival hall and drive you to the reserve.
You will have dinner at the reserve around a campfire while being greeted by the call-of-the-wild from jackals to lions giving you a taste of the adventure that awaits you over the next few days.
Day 2 & 3 - Hands-On Conservation/Veterinary Interventions
You will assist our resident vet with critical conservation activities prioritised by most threatened or at-risk animals.
These interventions could range from rhino-dehorning, satellite tagging, predator collaring (possibility of cheetah or lion collaring), to elephant relocations.
You will be taking part in these interventions getting hands-on with the procedures and health checks, working alongside the Conservation Pilot, Reserve Management, the Anti-poaching unit and qualified wildlife veterinarians.
Your place in the trip helps fund these operations including covering the costs of helicopters used to dart the animals, funding of medication and other equipment, vet fees and transportation to name just a few.
*Expect the unexpected with these interventions where the team will prioritise cases depending on any needs that may come up during your stay. This will only add to the sense of excitement and adventure offering you an authentic and rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the day-day to work carried out by our hard-working conservation and veterinary team.
Day 4 & 6 - Safari, Bush walks, Anti-Poaching Patrol and Community Outreach
Dependent on the reserve, you will spend the next 2 days enjoying a variety of conservation-based activities such as:
- Anti-poaching and snare removal – Patrol with the anti-poaching unit to check and remove snares. Learn more about the real threats imposed by poachers and the illegal wildlife trade.
- Bush Walk – Under the protection of an armed guard, take part in a bush walk amongst South Africa’s iconic wildlife to notice the beauty of the surrounding nature on foot inaccessible by vehicle.
- Community Outreach and Engagement - You will get the chance to interact and meet some of the local communities whose lives are heavilly intertwined with the wildlife we have come to love:
- Visit a local school to help judge the Rhino Art Competition where the winning students will get a spectacular opportunity to spend time in the Game Reserve. Winners will have first-hand exposure to understand the importance of conservation and hopefully be conservation amabassadors in their communities once they go home.
- Visit a traditional Zulu homestead and learn about the local communities
- Support a local creche and/or
- Meet some of the elders of the community who have found a sustainable method to the growing plastic crisis in the continent by upcycling plastic bags into hats and bathmats.
These community interactions will provide you with vital context into how pertinent issues affecting wildlife may be intertwined with complex social issues in neighbouring communities.
- Snake Pharm experience - get a glimpse of the ground-breaking research developing powdered anti-venom using plasma from snakes and meet some of the contributing species behind this research.
- Tracks, Sings and Telemetry – Learn how to track animals, understand their behaviour and locate them using telemetry and collars
- Day and night game drives – Explore the beauty of the reserve in the day and equally at night.
- Reserve picnic – Enjoy a rare opportunity to have a restful and peaceful picnic in the middle of the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa.
Day 7 Departure from South Africa back to the UAE
Brunch and dependent on your return flight there may also be a chance to buy souverniers. We will arrange your transfers to the airport.
Activities:
- Hands-on conservation activities besides resident vets and Reserve staff
- Big 5 Bush Walk
- Bush picnic
- Sundowners,
- Tracks, signs and telemetry lessons,
- Meet the K9 units,
- Learn about anti-poaching activities
- Day/night game drives
- Community outreach
Accommodation
6 nights and 7 days shared glamping
Meals
All meals including drinks and snacks
Transfers
All transfers within the itinerary including airport pick up and drop off
Conservation work
All profits from this project will fund 2-5+ animals including vet fees, equipment, medication, collars, tags and transport.
Guides
You will be accompanied by an English-speaking field guide throughout the trip
Not Included:
- Flight tickets to and from South Africa
- Visas should you require them. Please make sure to check for any other entry requirements. All participants are required and responsible for arranging any immigration requirements into South Africa on their own. Neither ECC Adventures nor our travel partners are responsible for any delays or constraints caused due to travel restrictions.
- Health/Travel insurance. This is mandatory for participation, and may also part of entry requirements to South Africa.
*IMPORTANT NOTE
As you will be joining on-going conservation efforts with wild animals, a certain degree of flexibility is expected during the trip as we may need to change locations, or our itinerary depending on local conditions such as weather and other unforseen events that may be beyond us and our partner's control.
However, one thing we can guarantee is that we will make sure that you will still have a wonderful time and be able to get up close & personal and immerse yourself in the conservation work carried out by experts in the field. You will have plenty of chances to learn about the important work carried out in these gaming reserves as well as the challenges faced by the animals as well as those who devote their lives to protect them.
You will return with a new sense of outlook on our natural world knowing you have directly contributed to the protection of some of our most vulnerable species and their wild populations, with memories that will last a lifetime.
- Bring a copy of your passport and your travel insurance
- Comfortable clothing for outdoors (long and short) with layering to accommodate changes in temperature during travelling and when on the ground stationary. Clothing should be light in colour, earthy or neutral to match the surrounding bush (blend in, not stand out is the motto here). Also, please be mindful to respect local culture and communities
- A rain jacket and a warm fleece or jumper
- Good footwear when out in the field and flip-flops or similar to wear when inside the camp
- Swimwear (optional)
- Sun protection (hats, sun glasses, SPF of your choice)
- Any prescription medication as well as basic first-aid items of your choice
- Evening and night time clothing. Warm preferable.
- Toiletries including insect repellents
- Snood (to avoid dust/sun )
- Portable chargers - power plugs are of type C, D, and M, operating at 230V
- A small sturdy back up or equivalent to carry out essentials when out
- Ziplock or dry bags for storage (optional)
- Personal choice of snacks that you can't do without!
See further details about connectiviy, currency and other important notes under the FAQ section.
- Which airline or flights should I book?
Your final arrival airport should be Johannesburg, South Africa. Please ensure you have enough time to go through immigration and customs to collect your baggage and obtain a sim if needed before meeting your pick up before we drive you to your accommodation.
Also make sure your return flight is not early in the morning to ensure we can drive you to the airport on time.
- What type of visa should I apply for?
Please check if your passport requires a visa to enter South Africa. If you do need a visa it should be a tourist visa and please refrain from mentioning any volunteer work or employment during your stay, as the tourist visa is the most appropriate option for this trip and is also available on arrival for most nationalities. It is your responsibility to verify the visa requirements specific to your nationality. Your local South African Embassy is a great option to contact for guidance.
- What's accommodation like?
Accommodation is provided in comfortable twin-share tents, with hot water in shared bathroom blocks. Delicious meals are included throughout your stay, unless otherwise specified, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience. Tea, coffee, and juice are readily available, offering refreshing options throughout the day. Please note that alcohol is not provided. All bedding, including pillows, is supplied for your comfort, but guests are advised to bring their own towel for personal use. This setup aims to provide a pleasant and hassle-free stay for all guests.
- Is it safe to be in South Africa and in the wilderness?
Your safety is ours and our partner's highest concern. When you arrive, you'll receive a detailed orientation covering important guidelines for your time at the reserve. Our adventure partner take spride in our safety record and offer 24/7 support to all volunteers. Your project manager will be available for assistance, equipped with valuable knowledge about the local area to enhance your experience.
But, for now, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind especially when you are out and about:
- Travel with others whenever possible, especially after dark. Familiarize yourself with areas to avoid.
- Keep important documents and valuables secured, such as in a concealed pocket or money belt.
- Only bring what you need for each day.
- Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or expensive watches.
- Keep cameras out of sight and always watch over your bags and purses.
Follow the advice of project staff and coordinators, particularly regarding local customs and cultural practices.
- Will I have wi-fi at my accommodation?
Yes! You will, but as we will be spending a lot of time in the wilderness and South Africa being prone to power shortages every now and then, it is also advisable to get an eSim or purchase a local sim on arrival at the airport. Vodacom or MTN is a popular service provider and offers extensive network access, especially in urban
areas and popular tourist destinations. Especially useful if you plan to see more of the country before or after spending time with us.
- What's the weather like in July?
It is winter time in South Africa June-August and temperatures can reach a high of 25 degrees Celcius with lows as far as 0 degrees Celcius. So, please make sure to bring clothes that you can layer and adjust to where you are during the day.
- Do I need vaccinations?
To enter South Africa, you may be required to show proof of vaccination for yellow fever if you're coming from a country with risk of transmission. Please check with the local South African consulate for details. Additionally, it’s recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus, and diphtheria. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies, depending on your travel plans and activities. It's essential to consult your doctor for personalized advice based on your health history and itinerary.
- What about insurance?
In order to join this trip you will require travel/medical insurance. While a comprehensive coverage is desirable the extent of the coverage depends on your needs and requirements that will cover flight delays, lost baggage, medical etc.,
- Should I bring any cash?
The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (RAND). It's a good idea to obtain some before you leave, in case there are issues in withdrawing it when you arrive. Most urban areas and larger establishments, like hotels and restaurants, accept credit and debit cards (mainly Visa and Mastercard), but in remote areas and smaller businesses, cash is often preferred. You can bring a small amount of cash should you like to purchase anything such as souveniers during our community visit or extra snacks or alcohol.
- What other information do I need to prepare for the journey
Once you sign up, and closer to the time we will add you to a WhatsApp group chat and share any further information required for the journey including a briefing of emergency contacts and other information. Meanwhile, if you had any specific questions please don't hesitate to message us directly.
